The Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology is an 18-unit program offered by the College of Medicine and Public Health.
The course articulates with the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and the Master of Biotechnology, and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards. Students who have completed the graduate certificate are awarded credit towards the graduate diploma.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally have completed, with a Credit average or better, an approved bachelor degree in a biological, agricultural or medical science at an approved tertiary institution. However, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature may be admitted.
Course aims
This is a one semester course that aims to provide life science graduates with the ability to apply their prior knowledge within a biotechnology context. It also aims to be a pathway for students to progress into either the Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology or continue to research training by progressing into the Master of Biotechnology Studies.
It aims to develop graduates who work effectively within team environments and improve their practice through critical reflection and learning. It ensures that students who elect not to complete the Masters degree are not disadvantaged and can gain a postgraduate certificate which can lead to careers in the biotechnology sector that are not research intensive such as sales and marketing, business development or communication.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:
- transfer and apply core scientific concepts to develop solutions in the biotechnology industry
- work in ways that are informed by knowledge of the legislative, regulatory, commercial, scientific and social environment
- synthesise information and communicate effectively, succinctly and sensitively with the scientific community, co-workers, government agencies, investors, the broad public and particular cultural and Indigenous communities
- apply judgement and initiative to propose and prioritise work strategies in consultation with co-workers to achieve timely completion of a project
- work in a multidisciplinary team and incorporate the views of all stakeholders including Indigenous groups, and use self-awareness and consultation to understand their role within a group and how they can best contribute to the group
- articulate a conscious understanding of their own values and demonstrate respect for the values of others and the ability to view an ethical dilemma from multiple view points
- inform society of impending developments and engage in a constructive debate
- incorporate understanding and awareness of Indigenous and other communities’ religious beliefs and culture into biotechnology practice.
Program of study
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Biotechnology, a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.
Except with permission of the Biotechnology Examinations Board, no topic may be attempted more than twice.
Except with the permission of the Biotechnology Executive Committee, the program must be completed full-time in one semester or part-time in two consecutive semesters.
Option - Year 1 topics
18 units selected from:
BIOL8004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8005 Protein to Proteome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9013 Integrating Molecular Biosciences GE* (4.5 units)
BTEC8002 Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8003 Legal, Ethical and Social Aspects of Bioscience GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9006 Professional Skills for Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC8007 Protein Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9008 Industrial and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9010 Medical Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9011 Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012 Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
*Enrolment into this topic requires the permission of the Topic Coordinator.
